Tips-n-Tricks
This section features practical tips, field-tested techniques, and step-by-step guides
designed to help you get the most out of your Micro-Blaster™ and work more efficiently.
Articles of Interest
USDA & USDOT Recreation, Safety and Health Tips
November 2005
Breaking Bedrock with the Micro-Blaster™
Breaking large boulders is straightforward with the Micro-Blaster™ due to the natural pressure differential—high internal rock pressure versus low external pressure. Bedrock, however, presents a unique challenge. Because it can extend beyond the excavation area, it often provides no free edge to initiate fracturing.
The solution is simple: create a starter crater in the bedrock with your Micro-Blaster™.
Drill angled holes so the blast directs force upward, then insert the cartridges and set the heads.
Blast.
Remove the resulting loose material.
From the crater’s edges, continue working outward, allowing the Micro-Blaster™ to progressively break the bedrock into manageable sections. Use of the expanded, larger Micro-Blaster™ triple-head system will allow the user to remove even larger sections of rock with each shot.
The Art of Drilling Holes
Knowing your Drills and Bits
Rotary Hammer Drills
Rotary hammer drills are the best tools for drilling holes required by Micro-Blaster™ System in both concrete and stone. Tools labeled “hammer drills” and having a 3-jaw chuck should be avoided as they will take much longer to drill the required holes. Make sure the drill you intend to use takes an SDS+ shank drill bit and ALWAYS use only 5/16-inch diameter drill bits with your Micro-Blaster™ System.
We do not offer a rotary hammer drill currently, but they are widely available on the market.
Choosing the Right Drill
Through the development of the Micro-Blaster™, we have gained extensive experience in drilling small-diameter (5/16 inch) and deep (approximately 10 inch) holes in rock and masonry. Standard rotary drills, even when equipped with carbide-tipped masonry bits, are largely ineffective for this purpose and are not recommended.
Drills marketed as “hammer drills” typically provide only a slight improvement. These tools generally use a vibration mechanism to assist the drilling process, which offers minimal advantage when working in hard rock.
The most effective tools for Micro-Blaster™ hole preparation are rotary hammer drills. These are specifically designed for efficient drilling in hard materials. For best results, select a model rated for drilling 3/4 to 1-inch diameter holes. This size range provides a good balance between performance, cost, and speed. Avoid models designed for larger diameter holes, as they may overheat the smaller 5/16 inch bits required for Micro-Blaster™ use, leading to premature bit failure when working in particularly hard stone.
Rotary hammers are available with various shank and chuck configurations. The most common is SDS or SDS+, which allows the bit to rotate freely while accommodating the substantial hammering force of the mechanism. SDS rotary hammers and matching bits are widely available from major hardware retailers across the U.S.
Most models operate on 110-volt AC power and will require a generator for use in remote locations. Battery-powered rotary hammers are also available and eliminate the need for a generator, but they are often several times more expensive. If extreme portability is required—such as carrying equipment to inaccessible job sites—battery models are highly recommended.
As expected, higher costs generally correlate with higher performance. For work near power sources, a 110-volt rotary hammer offers comparable effectiveness at roughly one-fifth the cost of premium battery models. When operating within 100 feet of an outlet, all that is needed is a suitable extension cord and a quality corded rotary hammer.
Drilling Straight and True
Regardless of the drill type, it is essential to bore straight, accurate holes. The Micro-Blaster™ actuator tube is precisely 5/16 inch in diameter, and new SDS+ carbide-tipped bits labeled “5/16 inch” will typically produce a slightly larger hole. This small clearance compensates for minor deviations in hole alignment during drilling.
Wear and Tear of Your Bit
Over time, bit diameter may decrease due to wear, which can affect fit and performance. For optimal results, always use relatively new, sharp bits when preparing holes for the Micro-Blaster™. Additional best practices and specifications are detailed in the Micro-Blaster™ Kit Manuals.
Air Tanks
How to Convert your Own Air Tank
The Situation
You own a portable air tank, but it cannot directly connect to the Micro-Blaster™.
The Solution
Use the Air Tank Conversion to adapt your tank for the Micro-Blaster™ IIx3 System.
To use a 5, 7, or 10-gallon portable air tank as the air source for the Micro-Blaster™ IIx3, first remove the hose assembly from the valve block of your tank. Install a compatible quick-connect fitting (specifications below) in its place. Apply either thread sealant or Teflon™ pipe tape to the 1/4-inch male pipe threads of the fitting to ensure an airtight seal—if using Teflon™ tape, wrap it clockwise (viewed from the threaded end) two full turns. When using pipe sealant, apply generously but avoid allowing any sealant to enter the fitting interior, as this may impair system function.
With the tank charged and the valve open, test the connection with soapy water. If bubbles appear, tighten the fitting until no leaks are detected.
Always follow the tank manufacturer’s safety instructions and never inflate beyond their rated pressure.
To repurpose the removed hose assembly, install a quick-connect plug (specifications below) on its threaded end, again using Teflon™ tape or pipe sealant. This will allow the tank to serve dual functions: operating the Micro-Blaster™ IIx3 and inflating tires or triggering Micro-Blaster™ II single-head systems by momentary attachment to the tire-valve fitting on the single-head hose assembly.
Required Parts:
• 1/4-inch Industrial Interchange Quick Coupler with 1/4 inch male pipe thread
• 1/4-inch Industrial Interchange Quick Connect Plug with 1/4 inch female pipe thread
• Teflon™ pipe sealing tape or pipe sealant
Air Tank Conversion for Micro-Blaster™ IIx3 Kit
For your convenience we have put together a kit containing the above components. If these parts aren’t readily available in your area, ask your dealer or contact Ezebreak, LLC for the Air Tank Conversion Kit.